Imaging Device Signal Processing Circuit for Low-Light Color Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices struggle to capture clear color images in dark environments due to inadequate sensitivity, particularly in applications like in-vehicle or monitor cameras, where there is limited visible light.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device dynamically switches between generating luminance and color signals based on the comparison of signal levels from visible light and near-infrared light pixel signals, using different processing configurations to prioritize signal generation from either visible light or near-infrared light depending on the environmental brightness, ensuring clear image capture in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the imaging element uses visible light pixel signals to generate color images, then color image quality is maintained in bright environments, but sensitivity is inadequate in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between visible light and near-infrared light processing modes based on environmental brightness conditions. The imaging device automatically adapts its signal processing configuration to match the lighting environment, transitioning from visible light-based color imaging in bright conditions to near-infrared light-based imaging in dark conditions, thereby maintaining reliable image quality across varying illumination levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the imaging element by switching between different wavelength regions (visible light vs. near-infrared light) and adjusting signal processing configurations. This parameter change allows the device to optimize sensitivity for dark environments by utilizing near-infrared signals while maintaining color image quality through appropriate signal processing
2Loss of information
If the imaging element always generates color images from visible light, then color information is preserved, but luminance signal quality deteriorates in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the luminance signal generation strategy based on environmental brightness. In dark environments, it switches to generating luminance signals from near-infrared light pixel signals, while preserving color information through separate processing of visible light signals. This dynamic adaptation maintains both color information integrity and luminance signal quality across different lighting conditions
3Device complexity
If the imaging device uses a single processing configuration for visible light, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple signal processing configurations that can be dynamically selected based on lighting conditions. The device includes first processing configurations for color signal generation and second processing configurations for luminance signal generation, with automatic switching capability that adapts to environmental brightness without requiring complex manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating processing configurations that handle both color imaging and luminance imaging modes. The same imaging element can operate in different processing modes (color priority or luminance priority) depending on the lighting environment, providing universal adaptability across diverse lighting conditions while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the capture of clear color images in dark environments by adapting signal generation to the available light levels, improving visibility and image quality in applications where traditional methods fail.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element capable of outputting a visible light pixel signal and a near infrared light pixel signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention switches to and from generation of a luminance signal based on a visible light pixel signal and generation of a luminance signal based on a near infrared light pixel signal depending on a result of comparison of signal levels of the visible light pixel signal and the near infrared light pixel signal.